Oldham Council Libraries Service celebrates over a million visitors

Oldham Council Libraries Service is celebrating after it was revealed more than one million visitors walked through their doors between 2018 and 2019. 

Oldham Libraries is also the second most visited library service in Greater Manchester, coming second behind Manchester City Council Libraries. 

Not only did our service come second in Greater Manchester but we’re also the *6th * busiest service across the North West region out of 24 other Library Services. 

Each of our 12 libraries across the borough offer a wide array of health, learning and business resources, family and cultural activities, and signposting to partner services that aim to benefit the whole town.

They also offer residents a range of services and activities, including reading groups, author events, sensory story times, craft workshops, digital activities, cultural events through our live@thelibrary programme and inspiring events such as TEDxOldham and Fun Palaces. 

Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise, Councillor Sean Fielding, said,

“These figures just go to show how much our libraries are valued across the borough and we’re delighted residents get so much out of the service. 

“To get more than one million people through the doors is such an achievement, especially when there’s around 220,000 people living in the borough. 

“Our libraries offer more than just a chance to grab a good book, they offer residents advice, events and signposting to other important services – including health and careers services. 

“On top of the thousands of books on offer, there’s also a top-class events programme to suit everyone including families, children, entrepreneurs, and book lovers.” 

“I’m proud of our libraries team as they’re forever looking to improve the service by being more flexible, accessible, easier to use and creating a more inclusive environment for everyone. 

“We hope everyone continues to benefit from the services the libraries have to offer.”

To further increase both visitor numbers and literacy levels among young people we abolished library fines on all books at a Cabinet meeting on Monday 22nd July. 

This means that library users will no longer be fined for late returns on borrowed books.

The library will be welcoming a new building in the winter of 2021 when OMA launches.

The new heritage and arts centre for Oldham (OMA), will transform Oldham’s former Library, Museum and Art Gallery into a vibrant multi-use cultural complex on Union Street.

OMA will feature ambitious new displays of our collections and provide a new home for Oldham Archives and Local Studies Library. 

The new building will include a performance space, a new café and a bigger and better shop. 

This work has been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local philanthropist Sir Norman Stoller.

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